WHEEL OF FATE

Forsaken by his family, Roger the Chapman follows them from Bristol to London, and despite his desire for peace and quiet is again embroiled in mystery and intrigue.

After a woman shows up on her doorstep along with what she claims is Roger’s child, Roger’s wife Adela celebrates 1483 by fleeing to the home of distant relatives. Arriving at the home of the Godslove family, Roger is surprised to receive a warm greeting. Adela, it seems, wants Roger to help the family solve the mystery of the often fatal accidents that are plaguing them. Clemency, Sybilla and their lawyer brother Oswald live with their half-sister Celia in a rambling house run by housekeeper Mistress Rokeswood, who appears to be in love with Oswald. Two of their siblings are dead, and others have had close shaves. Who’s responsible? Oswald suspects a doctor who’s in love with Celia and a silversmith whose family used to own their home and wants it back. But Roger wonders if the plotter may be a displeased client. When Celia vanishes, the family is desperate to find her. Roger searches London while trying to avoid involvement with the Duke of Gloucester. Though he’s undertaken several secret missions for the Duke, he’s wary of getting mixed up in the latest royal infighting now that King Edward IV has died.

Sedley (Dance of Death, 2009, etc.) provides another fine mystery set against the backdrop of the turbulent 15th century.